Seniors who desperately need rides for medical treatment or food can get help through LIFE ElderCare.

July 24, 2012 by

Joan, an 86-year-old woman suffering from arthritis and diabetes, recently moved from her home in the Midwest to the Bay Area at the urging of her children. Once settled in, however, the children had to relocate to keep their jobs. She is now living on her own, unsteady on her feet, and unable to shop for food. Her children have invited her join them in their new home but Joan doesn’t feel strong enough to make another move. She recently signed up for VIP Rides because she had no way to get to the grocery store.

Carol, a 71-year-old single woman, started using VIP Rides in April 2010 to get to her physical therapy appointments. She was so pleased with the service that she requested a ride to her doctor for a mammogram. A malignant growth was found in one of her breasts that required surgery. The two VIP Rides volunteers that had been taking her to physical therapy offered to give her a ride to the hospital and back home after her surgery.

Without access to safe and affordable transportation, many older adults may experience isolation and a reduced quality of life. A 2004 study found that seniors age 65 and older who no longer drive make 15 percent fewer trips to the doctor, 59 percent fewer trips to shop or eat out, and 65 percent fewer trips to visit friends and family, than drivers of the same age.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Senior Transportation, VIP Rides, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Got Balance?

June 6, 2012 by

Do you know how to test yourself to see if you have good balance? A lot of seniors believe they have good balance because they’re still getting around. But if you would like to know if your balance is as good as you believe, here is a simple test you can do.

First, stand with both hands on top of a table or counter, and place both feet firmly on the floor. Now, with both hands still on the counter for safety, gradually lift one foot. So far, so good? Okay, now lift both hands. You should be standing on only one foot without assistance. Could you stay that way for 10 seconds? If yes, your balance is rather good. However if you are like a lot of seniors, you felt unsteady and unsure. Perhaps you wouldn’t even take your hands off of the counter. You’re in good company. Most seniors feel that way. So, what if you do need to improve your balance - is there anything that can help?

Yes! If you are a senior living in the Tri-City area of Fremont, Newark and Union City, call Sandy at LIFE ElderCare 574-2087 to enroll in the free Fall Prevention program. The program provides trained nursing students who will come to your home and instruct you on personalized exercises that will be approved by your doctor which will put the balance back in your life. Improving your balance reduces your risk of falling. A lot of seniors have improved their balance by joining the program and you can too. Call today!

P.S. LIFE ElderCare’s 12-week, in-home exercise program is offered at no cost to home-bound seniors age 60 and older. In addition, you’ll receive a free home safety assessment, minor home modifications and a comprehensive medication review. These combined measures may help decrease your possibility of a bad fall. If you are concerned about falling, doing fall prevention exercises can make all the difference!

-Sandy Hallgren

This article originally appeared in the March 9, 2012 edition of the Tri-City Voice.

Filed Under: Fall Prevention, Senior Health Concerns Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Elderly participants and registered nursing students benefit from the Sustainability Module in LIFE ElderCare’s Fall Prevention program.

April 26, 2012 by

Sustainability is a critical component of LIFE ElderCare’s Fall Prevention program. Anyone who has begun an exercise program or health improvement regime understands the challenges of maintaining their commitment to it. Now, imagine doing this in your late 80’s while also struggling with multiple chronic and debilitating health problems. The most effective fall prevention program would incorporate ways to maintain contact with their clients, and continue to review their fall risk, years after the initial training. LIFE ElderCare is able to offer this through a partnership with Unitek College’s LVN to RN program.

From the perspective of the registered nursing student, helping seniors maintain their strength and mobility is a challenge that calls upon their experience as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and the new skills and knowledge gained during their RN education. After completing a thorough assessment of the senior’s physical, environmental and psychosocial needs, the RN student gets valuable hands-on training in geriatric home care by helping the senior maintain their initial success.

After the students finish their training, LIFE ElderCare conducts a post-program interview. Here is what one student had to say about his experience.
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Filed Under: Fall Prevention, Senior Health Concerns Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

More physicians need to ask their patients about falls.

April 25, 2012 by

A recent survey by the Hartford Foundation has revealed that only 19% of older adult patients have had their MD talk with them about fall prevention. This is alarming given the fact that falling is the cause of 90% of all hip fractures and is the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths in older adults.

We recently interviewed Dr. Dianne Martin, a Fremont, CA-based physician, about what she looks for in assessing whether or not someone is a fall risk. “The patients most likely to take a fall are ones that have balance and mobility problems, decreased muscle strength and are taking medications that affect balance.” She has found that patients who have even minor falls become less confident and lose their feeling of security when walking.

When a patient tells her about having a fall she recommends the Fall Prevention program at LIFE ElderCare. “Having someone who comes to their home really motivates them and gets them excited to participate,” she says.

Dr. Martin would like to see more physicians ask their patients whether or not they have had a recent fall because if the fall is minor, many patients forget to bring it up. If the patients says yes, it gives the physician a great opening to talk about the importance of fall prevention programs. “More and more older adults want to age independently in their own homes,” says Martin. “Whatever we can do to make this a reality is certainly a plus.”

Learn more about LIFE ElderCare’s Fall Prevention program.

View our Fall Prevention Coordinator’s presentation at the 2012 California Wellness Foundation’s Conference on Healthy Aging.

Filed Under: Fall Prevention, Senior Health Concerns Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Elderly falls are not inevitable.

April 19, 2012 by

Falls are the leading cause of death from injury in older adults, and most falls occur in the senior’s home. But falling is not inevitable. Fall prevention programs that include balance training, physical activity, medication management and home modifications do make a difference. LIFE ElderCare’s Fall Prevention Coordinator, Maureen Parent, talked about our holistic approach to integrating all of these these elements, along with the importance of community partnerships, at the recent California Wellness Foundation Conference on Healthy Aging on April 18, 2012 in Glendale, CA. The session, “Promising and Proven Solutions for Promoting Healthy Aging,” introduced the audience to several innovative programs to empower older adults to take responsibility for their health and promote healthy aging.

LIFE ElderCare’s Fall Prevention program is unique in that it addresses all dimensions of a senior’s well-being - physical, mental and social - by pairing seniors with trained nursing students for weekly one-on-one coaching, education and support. The successful implementation of this program over the past seven years is a testament to the power of partnerships. By utilizing nursing students from Unitek College and student pharmacists at Touro University, frail, older seniors get a customized, supervised exercise program, a medication review and minor home health modifications, at no charge.

During the past year 367 seniors were enrolled in the program and 318 student nurses received hands-on training in geriatric home care. In addition, the success of the program has encouraged Contra Costa County and other communities to start their own Fall Prevention programs.

Click here to view Maureen’s presentation on SlideShare.

Filed Under: Fall Prevention, Senior Health Concerns

LIFE ElderCare Hosts 2012 Mayors for Meals Day on March 21st

March 6, 2012 by

On Wednesday, March 21, LIFE ElderCare will be joining other communities around the country for the 2012 Mayors For Meals Day. During this annual event, community leaders will help volunteer drivers deliver meals and have the opportunity to meet with some of the seniors in their respective cities who depend on the Meals On Wheels program to meet their daily nutritional needs. The following elected officials will participate in meal deliveries in Fremont, Newark and Union City:

  • Gus Morrison, Mayor, Fremont
  • Alan Nagy, Mayor, Newark
  • Anu Natarajan, (Vice Mayor) City Council Member, Fremont
  • Suzanne Chan, City Council Member, Fremont
  • Bill Harrison, City Council Member, Fremont
  • Maria “Sucy” Collazo, City Council Member, Newark
  • Emily Duncan, City Council Member, Union City

“We are excited to have so many community leaders participate in this year’s Mayors for Meals Day,” said Mary Anderson, Executive Director, LIFE ElderCare. “Their support reflects a commitment to building a caring and sharing community that promotes healthy aging.” Last year, LIFE ElderCare served over 102,000 meals to Tri-City seniors with the help of volunteer drivers who donated close to 15,000 hours to make sure no senior goes hungry.

Mayors For Meals Day is a component of March For Meals, a national campaign, initiated by the Meals On Wheels Association of America that utilizes the involvement of local Mayors and other local elected officials to raise awareness of senior hunger. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like LIFE ElderCare, promote Mayors for Meals Day in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives.

Filed Under: Meals on Wheels, Senior Meals & Nutrition, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Having someone to help means Tri-City residents in their 80′s and 90′s can maintain their independence.

January 9, 2012 by

Virginia, 86, was widowed in 1993 and has lived in her Fremont home for 43 years. She currently lives alone. Her five children live out of the area, the two closest in Marin County. She maintains her independence by taking advantage of three LIFE ElderCare programs: VIP Rides, Friendly Visitors, and Meals On Wheels.

After reading about the organization in the newspaper, she mentioned it to her daughter who lives in Denver. Her daughter called Bernie Thien, Friendly Visitors Coordinator to get more information on how her mom could sign up. Bernie delighted Virginia by matching her up with a Friendly Visitor from her home state of Rhode Island. The two have been meeting every Friday for the past year to take short walks, play Scrabble and enjoy each other’s company.

She uses VIP Rides for grocery shopping and started receiving Meals On Wheels last March after coming out of a rehabilitation center for a fractured vertebrae. Her back problem makes it hard to stand long enough to cook meals or to buy groceries without assistance.

“I highly recommend LIFE ElderCare and often suggest it to people in my arthritis support group at Washington Hospital. Without the services that are available in my community I would probably be forced to sell my home and move into a much more expensive nursing home or assisted living facility.”

For fun, Virginia is part of a birdwatching group and has bird feeders in her backyard, and she watches movies on Netflix. “Politics are dismaying and depressing,” she says, “and I worry about my children not being able to afford health coverage if cuts are made to Medicare.”

Filed Under: Meals on Wheels, Senior Transportation Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Senior men looking for a Friendly Visitor

October 5, 2011 by

Friendly Visitors is a Tri-City service that matches older, homebound adults with community companions. Started in 1985, this program has helped thousands of people find life long friends. Our experienced “friend-maker,” Bernie Thien, has developed a keen sense for putting the right people together. From a tentative first visit, he has watched friendships blossom that have led to both volunteer and Visitor developing a deep appreciation of the joys and challenges of aging. In addition, many of the Visitors provide a much needed respite for weary caregivers who desperately need a few hours during the day to recharge their batteries. All volunteers go through a background check and a comprehensive training session.

Here are the Tri-City seniors in the program who are currently looking for a friend. If you would like to talk to Bernie in more detail or sign up to visit one of the men below you can email him or call 510-574-2097.

ROBERT, 82, Fremont - Born and raised in Hawaii. He has limited mobility, uses a cane, walker and power chair. He worked as painting contractor for over 40 years. Enjoys sports, especially boxing (fought as an amateur boxer). Has traveled extensively in U.S., lived in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Alaska, Texas and California. He enjoys playing card games – Poker, Hearts, Spades, Pinochle and especially Cribbage. He is very talkative and friendly.

HERMAN, 75, Newark - Born and raised in Texas. Due to a stroke in 1991, he has limited mobility and uses a walker. Played football in high school and also excelled at bowling all his life. Herman is a very friendly guy and would enjoy having someone to share conversations, short walks, coffee, lunch and trips to the bowling alley. His wife Carolyn, who is his caregiver, could also use a break when a visitor comes to see him.

NATHANIEL, 76, Union City - Born and raised in Louisiana. He is a Katrina flood victim who came here to live with his family. Nathaniel is a double knee amputee and his mobility is limited to a wheelchair and scooter. Since he is unable to leave the house much, he would really appreciate a new friend for socializing, watching TV, playing cards, and wheel chair rides. The family is usually away at work, so Nathaniel is home alone most of the time.

JAMES, 73, Fremont - He has had multiple strokes that have affected his sight and thought/speech processes. James was a true “outdoorsman” – hunting, fishing, horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting. Also traveled extensively – Europe, Africa, Panama, Mexico, Canada. Needs a very special patient person for socialization, conversation, walks, lunch and coffee outings. His wife Elaine is his sole caregiver.

JESUS, 74, Newark - Born and raised in the Philippines, came to U.S. in 1971. He has Parkinson’s disease and is confined to a wheelchair. College degree in accounting with 20 plus years working in that field. Enjoyed fishing in both ocean and streams. Jesus needs a special, patient person to be his friend. Speaks both Tagalog and English. His wife Delia is his sole caregiver.

TERRY, 72, Fremont - Born and raised in Ohio. Alert, talkative, pleasant, and eager for a new friend. Enjoys the outdoors, uses a walker. Worked 30 years installing mainframe computers for various industries. Has traveled extensively in Europe, French Morocco, Belgian Congo, and 40 states. Served as boy scout leader for 30 years. Terry has led a full life and has some great stories to tell.

LEWIS, 96, Fremont - Lewis is alert, friendly, and conversational. He is quite adept at many skills – electronics, keyboard and organ. He worked for 50 years in advertising. His wife of many years passed away in 2005 and he misses her very much. Lewis has many stories and adventures to talk about and would like to share them with a new friend.

JOSE, 63, Union City - Speaks English and Spanish. He was born and raised in Canal Zone. Worked 30 years as journeyman carpenter and layout expert. Due to diabetes his mobility is limited to using a cane, walker and power chair. Jose is interested in finding a new friend for socialization, brief walks and outings for lunch, shopping and the park.

ZUYI, 80, Union City - Born and raised in mainland China. He has a University degree and taught agriculture and chemistry classes for over 30 years. Very interested in locating a Mandarin speaking gentleman with whom he can converse and go walking. Health is stable with arthritis and poor vision. He is friendly, but sometimes forgetful.

MANNY, 63, Fremont - Born and raised in the Philippines. He has a college degree in medical technology, and worked for 30 years in Seattle and San Francisco hospitals. Manny was afflicted in April with stroke that affected the left side of his body, causing limited speech ability as well a general paralysis to left side. His wife, Ofelia and her family are looking for a patient volunteer who could come to the house and engage in “conversation” with Manny. He currently speaks by nodding, and his regular speech is slowly returning.

Filed Under: Friendly Visitors, Senior Friendship, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The Lifetime Risk for Osteoporotic Fracture is 50% for Women Over Fifty

March 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

At the March 4, Osteoporosis Update at Washington Hospital, I learned a few important things about how to protect my bones. The first presenter, Dr. Barry Shibuya, clarified the difference for me between osteoporosis and joint pain. Osteoporosis is painless, (unless you have a fracture), while osteoarthritis hurts. Also, osteoporosis medication does not relieve joint pain; it only helps protect the body against future bone loss.

Dr. Shibuya alerted the audience to the harmful effect of steroid medication such as Prednisone on bone loss, saying, “If you take 5 mg of Prednisone for three months or longer, you will lose 25% of your bone density within one year.” To protect against osteoporosis he recommended exercise to build bones (bones are like muscles, they become stronger through resistive exercises), increasing your intake of calcium and Vitamin D, ending bad habits such as smoking and enrolling in a Fall Prevention program.

Maureen Parent, Coordinator of LIFE ElderCare’s Fall Prevention program, spoke after Dr. Shibuya and reiterated the importance of exercise in preventing falls. She pointed out that falls are the number one reason why seniors lose their independence. After a fall, the fear of falling again restricts a person’s willingness to engage in normal activities. And, the more sedentary and homebound they become, the more likely they are to fall again. People who have completed the 12-week, in-home, Fall Prevention class have reported a significant decrease (up to 70%) in their fear of falling again.

The major risk factors for falls are balance impairments, weak muscles, impaired vision, medications, and home environmental hazards such as inadequate lighting, clutter, throw rugs, as well as the incorrect use of assisted devices such as canes and walkers. The Fall Prevention program at LIFE ElderCare addresses all of the risk factors through a personalized exercise program, assistance with medication management and assistance with reducing hazards in the home. Enrollment is continuous so if you are age 60 and older, and are predominately homebound, this is a great way to keep you free from falls.

Rachael Vander Martin, Communications Specialist

See links for more information:

LIFE ElderCare Fall Prevention
Assess your Future Fracture Risk
Dr. Barry Shibuya

Filed Under: Fall Prevention, Senior Health Concerns Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

An increasing number the “near-elderly” (55-64) in the Tri-City area need our help.

February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

At 58, Susan has no permanent home, no car, and no valuables other than her loving cat. She lives in a nearby motel where the manager gives her a good rate. She has been getting meals from Meals On Wheels since March 2009 and started using VIP Rides in April of last year.

In November of 2009 she had a stroke that has made her unsteady on her feet and has brought on chronic back pain. Social Security is threatening to cut off her medical benefits if she does not meet their criteria for the medically disabled.

Susan uses VIP Rides on a regular basis to get to the Fremont Food Bank, her doctor visits, and to do necessary errands. After she received notice that her medical coverage might be terminated, she called us to get a ride to her local clinic. Fortunately, a volunteer was available to help her on short notice. They both went to the clinic and the desk attendant told Susan not to fear anything yet, and made an appointment with her doctor for the following day. This brought much relief. After returning home, Susan offered the volunteer a glass of water and thanked her for being so kind. “Without VIP Rides” she said, “I would be stranded.”

Lori Vogel, VIP Rides Coordinator

Filed Under: Senior Transportation, VIP Rides, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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